Mentor Match
Mentor Match Is A UNIQUE MENTORING PROGRAM FOR YOUTH IN FOSTER CARE - WHERE THE YOUTH ARE IN THE DRIVER’S SEAT AND MENTORING MATCHES OCCUR ORGANICALLY.
How it works
10 things you need to know:
Youth eligible for the program are aged 11-18 yrs, are mentally and physically ready for the program, have had their parental reunification efforts terminated, are living in a foster home that is not permanent or in a group home, have voluntarily chosen to participate in the program.
Mentors must be 21+ yrs of age, can be individuals or married couples, and can have children of their own.
Interested individuals must attend a mentor info session, complete a mentor application, pass a criminal background check, and disclose relevant medical and psychiatric history or any history of substance abuse. CFK staff will review the application and be in-touch regarding status and questions.
At this stage, potential mentors must attend a 5-hour trauma-informed training where they will gain knowledge about trauma, boundaries, culture, and the child welfare system. They will also be given the opportunity to reflect on their own readiness to mentor a youth in foster care.
Once training is complete, mentors are invited to meet youth at our monthly Mentor Match events.
Matched Mentors are volunteers that commit to investing in the life of a youth in foster care and typically spend time with their mentee 2x a month.
Each month, CFK hosts a Mentor Match Event that creates a fun, safe, and low stakes environment for youth and potential mentors to meet and participate in a shared experience. These events are sponsored by local churches and include interactive activities, games, and a meal.
After each event, youth and mentors complete surveys to identify potential connections. If youth and mentors “match” by selecting one another, we work to nurture these connections and allow them to grow organically over the next several events - this can take anywhere from 6 to 9+ months.
Once it becomes clear that a solid match has been made, the mentor will meet with the mentee’s team to discuss the future of the relationship before being cleared as their match’s official mentor.
Once a mentor completes these additional steps, they are free to grow their relationship with their mentee outside of Mentor Match Events; ideally hosting youth for the day or weekend, inviting them into their lives in appropriate ways to encourage academics, teach life skills, and offer support through transportation.